TOSketchFestBlog
The Learning and Fun program is back with in person and online professional development opportunities for comedians of all levels. We have gathered comedy tastemakers and industry leaders for skill building workshops and community building panels March 8-19, 2023. Learning and Fun is packed with stimulating, comfortable and informative panels and workshops – plus exclusive parties and community get togethers.
Whether you are a Festival performer, an emerging comedian, or you are just starting to write and perform sketch comedy on stage or online – there is something for you in the Learning and Fun Program.
TOsketchfest aims to keep our Professional Development Program inclusive. As such, a limited number of scholarships are available. If the registration cost is a barrier to participation in a panel or workshop, please fill out this form.
TOsketchfest’s Learning & Fun program is presented by:
How To Pitch A Production Company Panel
Thursday, March 9 at 11am – Zoom
Photo grid with Kadon Douglas, Andrew Ferguson, Karen Tsang, Zoe Rabnett.
Host: Kadon Douglas – BIPOC TV & FILM – Executive Director
Panelists:
Karen Tsang – Pier21 Films – SVP, Creative Affairs
Andrew Ferguson – LaRue Entertainment – Producer & Co-President
Zoe Rabnett – Counterfeit Pictures – Director of Talent & Comedy Development
An illuminating online info session with production companies, with deep roots in the comedy space, about how to pitch your work. Hosted by Kadon Douglas of BIPOC TV & FILM, attendees will learn how to engage production companies when they have a project to pitch. This informative chat will explain the role of a production company from idea, to development, to pitch, to screen – plus best practices and tips for getting ready and staying ready.
Staging 101 with The Second City
Thursday, March 9 at 1pm – John Candy Box Studio Theatre
Photo grid with Etan, Julie and Connor
Facilitated by:
Connor Low – Associate Technical Director
Etan Muskat – Artistic Director (Toronto Training Centre)
Julie Dumais Osborne – Managing Artistic Director (Second City Training Centres)
Do you know what blocking is, or what it means to find your light? Join us in The Second City’s beautiful new state-of-the-art entertainment complex at 1 York St. for this workshop – designed for comedians of all levels who want to elevate their stage performances – but don’t quite know how to ask for it. You will learn how to utilize the whole stage, venue tech and equipment through an accessible intro to industry terms, slang & standards. You also will receive directorial demonstrations that will empower you to utilize the stage, your tech times and your venue’s technical resources in order to present your vision efficiently and effectively on stage.
Podcasting Workshop with The Sonar Network
Saturday, March 11 at 10am – Theatre Centre
In this workshop, Michael Mongiardi of the Sonar Network will offer an accessible glimpse into the world of podcasting to help you grow your new or existing podcast in an effective way. Michael will share tried and true Dos and Don’ts for effective hosting tactics, show formats, gear, and more. Pulling from his extensive experience, he will show you how to grow your show, build a community and brand, and how to monetize your work.
Comedy Writing with Anthony Q Farrell
Saturday, March 11 at 12pm – Theatre Centre
Anthony Q Farrell wears glasses and a light green shirt.
Sharpen your comedy writing skills with this workshop from Anthony Q. Farrell. This intimate session will provide insights into how to excel in a writers’ room and how to develop your work from prep-to-production-to-post. Learn how to shape your style and POV, collaborate with others, and find the humour in your real life stories – all while hitting that deadline.
Comedy Road Trip Panel #1
Saturday, March 11 at 2pm – Theatre Centre
Photo grid with Chili, Erick, Stef, Allie, Lanee’, and Amanda.
Host: Chili Davidson
Panelists:
Lanee’ Sanders, The Nitro Girls (New York)
Amanda Xeller (New York)
Erick Acuña, Acuña Acuna (Washington)
Stef Curran, Mom’s Girls (Newfoundland)
Allie Entwistle, Brunch (Vancouver)
Comedy Road Trip brings together comedians and producers from across North America to discuss the current landscape of sketch comedy, with a glimpse into their local scenes. Through this fun shop talk between comedy colleagues, attendees will get a sense of what is going on in various comedy communities including opportunities and challenges, audience attitudes, the pros and cons of traveling for performance opportunities.
Meet the CBC Comedy Team
Monday, March 13 at 11am – Zoom
Photo grid with Miguel, Greig, Zach and Sarah.
Host: Miguel Rivas
Panelists:
Greig Dymond, Director of Development and Head of Festivals, Comedy
Zach Feldberg, Director of Current Production, Comedy and Head of Scripted Gem Originals
Sarah Quan, Executive in Charge of Development, Comedy
In this third annual online discussion, join CBC’s Greig Dymond, Zach Feldberg, and Sarah Quan as they outline the current vision for comedy at CBC, and how you can pitch your work across various platforms. In this thorough discussion, you will gain insight into the kind of comedy projects CBC is looking for, and whether CBC TV or CBC Gem is the right fit for your project.
This Panel Has 22 Minutes
Wednesday March 15, 3pm EST – Zoom
Photo grid with Aba, Ashley, Jordan, Stacey and Chris.
Panelists:
Aba Amuquandoh, Cast
Jordan Foisy, Head writer
Stacey McGunnigle, Cast
Chris Wilson, Featured cast member
Ashley Botting, Writer
Join a dynamic online conversation with cast and writers of Canada’s longest-running TV comedy series, This Hour Has 22 Minutes, now celebrating its 30th season on CBC. This panel will explore their process of provocative satire, with behind the scenes anecdotes from this lasting legacy. Attendees will also learn how to submit their writing packages, and how the 22 Minutes writers’ room and cast creates contemporary comedy that skewers the weekly news from script to screen.
Comedy Road Trip Panel #2
Saturday, March 18 at 2pm – Theatre Centre
Photo grid with Ben, Ally, Joan, Ellie, Nick, Jake, Brooklyn, and Christopher.
Host: Ben Sosa Wright
Panelists:
Jake Martin, Snakes Are Cool (Fredericton)
Ellie Heath, Girl Brain (Edmonton)
Brooklyn Melnyk, Side Salad (Montreal)
Christopher Morucci, Pointless Appliance (Brooklyn)
Ally Condrath, Dinner For One (Brooklyn)
Joan Ford, Joan and Raft (LA)
Nick Kruger, Maple Daddies (Seattle)
Comedy Road Trip brings together comedians and producers from across North America to discuss the current landscape of sketch comedy, with a glimpse into their local scenes. Through this fun shop talk between comedy colleagues, attendees will get a sense of what is going on in various comedy communities including opportunities and challenges, audience attitudes, the pros and cons of traveling for performance opportunities.
